As the longest established school in Hong Kong, St Paul's College has experienced many milestones over the past 160 years. But one principle has remained unchanged - the importance the college attaches to providing students with a comprehensive education, designed to promote all-round development.
Founded in 1851, the Anglican church-based college was one of Hong Kong's earliest teaching institutions to offer a liberal education in the English and Chinese languages for local boys. These days, it offers a curriculum that trains students to communicate effectively in English, Cantonese and Putonghua. It also seeks to arouse interest in life-long learning, and an appreciation of the arts and sports.
Today, the college has about 1,200 secondary pupils and nearly 600 in the primary section.
Dr John Kennard, the college principal, says the school provides a broad range of subjects, taught by veteran teachers. Last year, nearly all of its Form Five students obtained a Grade E or above in at least five subjects in the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination. At the same time, all of its Form 7 students gained admission to tertiary institutions.
'While the school encourages academic excellence, equally important is the opportunity to develop leadership skills at all levels, from being a prefect, peer mentor, or a buddy to other boys,' Kennard says. 'It is important our boys have the well-rounded education skills and the leadership capabilities they will need in the future,' he adds.
Kennard says St Paul's also works on the continuous professional development of its faculty. Last year, teachers attended some 270 workshops, seminars and courses organised by the Education Bureau and top institutions. About 45 per cent of its faculty have doctoral or master degrees, while 54 per cent hold a bachelor's degree.
St Paul's has also set up twin-school links with the high schools affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University and to Xi'an Jiao Tong University. Activities such as a choir tour to London and a celebration dinner are among this year's highlights.